October Navratri 2024: Complete 9 Days Calendar with Dates and Significance

Navratri is a vibrant and spiritual festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. This nine-day festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated by millions to worship the nine forms of goddess Durga.

In 2024, Navratri begins on Thursday, October 3, and ends on Saturday, October 12. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific incarnation of the goddess and is marked by unique rituals, offerings and colors.

Here is a comprehensive guide to Navratri 2024 outlining the daily rituals, forms of Durga worship and corresponding auspicious colors.

Navratri 2024: Durga Puja 9 Days Calendar

Day 1: Thursday, October 3, 2024

  • Titi: Pratipada
  • Puja: Ghatasthapana, Shaiputri Puja

On the first day of Navratri, the festival begins with Ghatasthapana, an important ritual in which a holy pot or Kalash is installed, symbolizing the presence of Goddess Durga. Devotees worship Goddess Durga Shailputri, who represents strength and wisdom. Yellow symbolizes joy and energy.

Day 2: Friday, October 4, 2024

Titi: Devitya

Puja: Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja

The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, the embodiment of love, devotion and peace. The Chandra Darshana performance is performed to mark the appearance of the moon. Green is the color of wear and tear, representing growth and renewal.

Day Three: Saturday, October 5, 2024

  • Didi: Tritia
  • Puja: Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja

On the third day, devotees worship Goddess Chandraganta, who is known for her bravery and warrior spirit. The Sindoor Tritiya ceremony is also performed to symbolize the strength of a married woman. Gray represents balance and calm and is the color of the day.

Day 4: Sunday, October 6, 2024

  • Didi: Chaturthi
  • Puja: Vinayaka Chaturthi

This day coincides with Vinayaka Chaturthi, where devotees pray to Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for successful completion of their endeavors. Goddess Kushmandar is also worshiped on this day and people wear orange clothes which symbolize passion and warmth.

Day 5: Monday, October 7, 2024

  • Didi: Panchami
  • Puja: Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat

The fifth day is dedicated to Goddess Kushmandar, who is believed to bring happiness, positivity and prosperity in the lives of devotees. People observe Upang Lalita Vrat and wear white to symbolize purity and peace.

Day 6: Tuesday, October 8, 2024

  • Titi: Shashti
  • Puja: Skanda Mata Puja

On the sixth day of Navratri, people worship Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya (Skanda). She is a symbol of maternal love and protection. Red, symbolizing passion and strength, is the auspicious color of this day.

Day 7: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

  • Didi: Saptami
  • Puja: Saraswati Avahan, Katyani Puja

On the seventh day, Goddess Katyani was summoned. She is revered as the goddess of strength and courage, helping to remove obstacles and empower her followers. Royal blue represents depth, wisdom and stability.

Day 8: Thursday, October 10, 2024

  • Titi: Ashtami
  • Puja: Saraswati Puja, Kalatri Puja

The eighth day of Navratri, also known as Durga Ashtami, is considered one of the most important days of the festival. Goddess Kalatri is the fierce and powerful avatar of Durga, who is worshiped to remove negativity and ward off darkness. Devotees wear pink, which symbolizes love, affection and care.

Day 9: Friday, October 11, 2024

  • Titi: Navami
  • Puja: Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja

The ninth day, or Navratri, marks the end of Navratri and is worshiped by the goddess Mahagali, known for her purity and tranquility. Sandhi Puja, held at the junction of Ashtami and Navami, is an important ritual where devotees pray for blessings and protection. Purple is a symbol of spirituality and transformation, and people wear it on this day.

In conclusion, Navratri is not just a festival; It is a spiritual journey involving prayer, fasting and devotion. Every day brings new opportunities to connect with the divine feminine energy that Goddess Durga represents.

Read | Important dates in October 2024: List of domestic and international dates